Page:Frank Owen - Woman Without Love (1949 reprint).djvu/86

 dying of starvation by the thousands and the poor of America will still be suffering."

"That is pitifully true," said he thoughtfully. "Though at least while I am here I can devote my time to the children. I can help a little. It is a wonder to me that more of the rich do not go in for this sort of philanthropy."

Louella sprang to her feet. "Why," she cried jubilantly, "I never thought of it before! I'll help! I've simply got oodles of money. I love kids and never will have any of my own. Can I come to your hospital? Think the kids would like me?"

"They'd love you," he exclaimed. "You're swell!"

"I guess I'm a bit of a fool as well," said she.

in her life did Louella Leota become one of the girls in a house of love. That was during her residence in Nashville. She had been lonely after Jobyna's death and Madame Clair was kind to her. She gave her a room in her house and before many days had passed she was as busy as any of the other girls.

As she beheld the money that was squandered in that place she was amazed. This was indeed a profitable racket. She decided that she would have a house of her own. She would run it in good taste. Only the most beautiful and best mannered girls would be hired. They would not be gyped right and left and treated like machines.

She would be like a mother to the girls. Perhaps she might even go further. Those that were worth saving, she would save. Not for nothing had she been an ardent church-goer for years. She may not have been deeply religious at heart but she was familiar with all the precepts of religion. Besides, Louella was beginning to want a home of her own, where she could pass a quiet evening dozing by the fire if she wished.

Not that she really wanted to. The very thought of such a wasted evening made her shudder. Still it was nice to know one